Child Seriously Injured in Volusia County Beach Accident

An uncommon accident this past weekend in Volusia County brings attention to the dangers of on-the-beach driving.

On the afternoon of Sunday, July 23, 2017, four-year-old Antonio Vasquez of Deltona was enjoying a little fun in the sun while boogie boarding along the shores of Ormond Beach during high tide, when a large wave washed him ashore, just up to the edge of the beach traffic lane.

Upon seeing the young boy, 19-year-old Aaron Hagstrom from Sanford, who was driving his pickup in the lane at the time, brought his Dodge Ram 1500 to a halt. After waiting a few minutes, he proceeded with caution, at the rate of about 5-10 MPH, and that’s when the accident occurred.

In a failed attempt to get out of the way of the vehicle, the preschooler walked out in front of the truck’s right bumper, and was subsequently run over by its tire.

Emergency response teams were dispatched to the Harvard beach access point where the incident occurred, and rushed Vasquez to the local hospital, where he has been listed in serious condition.

The investigation into this accident is ongoing, but Florida authorities have stated that Hagstrom, the pickup truck driver, was not at fault.

More than fifty people have been injured in beach-driving accidents in the past decade. Since 2012, many regulations have been put into place to ensure the safety of Volusia County residents and beach drivers alike, including:

• The implementation of a 10MPH speed limit.
• The ban against texting-while-driving on the beach.
• Drivers must operate their vehicles with their headlights running at all times, and additionally must have at least one front window rolled down.

Here in Florida, beach-driving in coastal communities is a way of life, and it’s sure to remain that way for years to come, which unfortunately includes the accidents that come along with it. If you or a loved one find yourselves involved in an auto accident, please contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY to setup a free initial consultation.

Read More:
Another child run over in Volusia’s beach-driving ‘tradition’
Should Ormond continue to allow beach driving?
Man runs over 4-year-old boy on Ormond Beach
Pickup hits child on the beach in Volusia County, authorities say

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.